Beginning June 1, 2026, updated federal regulations require some recipients of CalFresh in San Diego County to demonstrate ongoing engagement in work, training, or volunteer activities to maintain benefits. County officials are notifying residents about the change and offering resources to help people understand whether the new rules apply to them and how to comply.

The policy targets a specific group within the CalFresh caseload and does not affect every household member. The county is urging beneficiaries to keep their contact information current in BenefitsCal, watch for renewal notices, and respond promptly to county communications.

Who the rules apply to

The federal update focuses on a category known by the acronym ABAWD, an abbreviation for able-bodied adults without dependents. To be subject to the new requirements, a person must meet all of the following conditions:

– Be between 18 and 64 years old.
– Not be living with a child under 14.
– Not qualify for a federal exemption.
– Be physically and mentally able to work.
– Not be pregnant or identified as disabled.

Officials emphasize that when an individual is subject to these rules, only that person’s eligibility is affected; the rest of the household can continue receiving benefits if they qualify.

What beneficiaries must do to remain eligible

Individuals covered by the ABAWD rules must show they are engaged for at least 20 hours per week (or 80 hours per month) in qualifying activities. Acceptable activities include regular employment or self-employment, structured job training, or unpaid community service.

County guidance clarifies that a mixture of activities is allowed. For example, a beneficiary could combine part-time paid work with hours spent in a job-training program or volunteering at a nonprofit to reach the required total.

Types of qualifying activities

The main categories recognized by the county are:

– Work activities: paid employment or self-employment that produces verifiable hours.
– Community service or volunteer work: unpaid civic activities organized by eligible agencies.
– Job training: participation in approved programs, including the CalFresh Employment & Training program.

Limits and timeframes

Under the federal framework, people who do not meet the work or volunteer requirement may receive only three months of benefits within any three-year period unless they satisfy the hourly standard or qualify for an exemption.

Who is exempt and what support is available

Several groups remain exempt from the ABAWD requirements. Exemptions include people younger than 18 or older than 64, those who are pregnant, individuals with documented physical or mental limitations, and people who identify as an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

San Diego County reports that CalFresh serves more than 373,000 residents locally. Statewide estimates indicate that over 100,000 Californians will need to meet these new participation standards to retain benefits. To help, county staff can connect affected residents to free employment and training services, volunteer placement options, and educational supports.

County resources and how to get help

The county has prepared outreach materials, FAQs, and a community toolkit to help beneficiaries and service providers interpret the changes. A new county website dedicated to work, training, education, and volunteer resources tied to these federal changes will be launched to centralize assistance.

Residents who have questions about eligibility or need to report updated contact information should use the county’s support channels. The Access Customer Service Call Center is available at 1-866-262-9881. In addition, beneficiaries can visit their local Family Resource Center, call 2-1-1, or use BenefitsCal.com for account updates and determinations.

Practical steps for affected residents

To reduce the risk of interruption in benefits, county officials advise people potentially subject to the rules to:

– Check mailed notices and online alerts for any renewal or eligibility requests.
– Keep all contact details current in the BenefitsCal portal so county staff can reach you.
– Respond promptly to verification requests and ask county staff about qualifying activities if unsure.
– Explore free job training and volunteer opportunities offered through county and community partners.

By taking these steps and using the services the county provides, eligible individuals can meet the new participation standards and preserve access to food benefits while pursuing work and training opportunities.